GS550 - reinstalling the engine

[Guest]

Bought my GS550 in bits and the engine 'stuff' in a paper bag. Doesn't seem to be much info in the book about what goes where. I haved used the longest bolt across the back of the engine with a triangular thingy at either end (these have captive nuts) and the spacer on the left hand end of the bolt. I have done the same at the front of the engine (no spacer). The medium bolt simply goes through at the back of the engine. The one triangular thingy with no captive nuts I have used on the right hand side of the engine and I guess the bolts either side with the elongated pointy washers go on the inside of the frame - does the point face upwards into the 'box' section on the engine to stop it rotating? Also I notice that the bolts that go into the triangular peices with captive nuts are of two different lengths. Are there other brackets fixed by some of the longer bolts that I have not used yet?

[steveb922]

Sounds like you've the long bolts and big spacer correct. And yes, the 'pointy washer' goes point up - can be a little fiddly to locate. The bolts that connect the engine brackets to the frame are the same on each bracket, but vary from bracket to bracket, if that makes sense.

So - rear bracket - M8 x 55
centre bracket - M8 x 16
front brackets - M8 x 60

If you have longer bolts, it may be that the bike had crash-bars or something at one time. Be careful when you install the engine - if a PO has installed longer bolts for some reason, it's possible to crack cases when you go to tighten them.

[robel]

Thanks. I'll do my usual bolt replacement with SS Allen bolts (and the vital copper based grease!) Got to to agree with the fiddly to locate - I've got bad RSI in some fingers, think it it might be easier if I turn the bike upside down!!

[Steve]

I have always installed the "pointy washers" (they're actually nuts) with the point down.

I hold them in place with some needle-nose pliers, then turn the bolt so they engage. The point is designed to be caught on the engine case to prevent turning. Starting in the down position is fine.

.

[MikeinSaudi]

Sounds like you've the long bolts and big spacer correct. And yes, the 'pointy washer' goes point up - can be a little fiddly to locate. The bolts that connect the engine brackets to the frame are the same on each bracket, but vary from bracket to bracket, if that makes sense.

So - rear bracket - M8 x 55
centre bracket - M8 x 16
front brackets - M8 x 60

If you have longer bolts, it may be that the bike had crash-bars or something at one time. Be careful when you install the engine - if a PO has installed longer bolts for some reason, it's possible to crack cases when you go to tighten them.

WOW Steve, you get everywhere!!! thanks for this info.

Could you tell me what size bolts i need to attach the brackets to the frame (as opposed to the bracket to the engine).

Thanks mate! I may have to ride down to Cornwall and shake your hand

[Kiwi Canuck]

Before you install the lower left engine bolt that connects to the triangle shaped nut, ensure the bolt is not too long and does not touch the engine case after it goes through the nut as it'll punch a hole into the case, I know of what I speak unfortunately.

Good luck with your wrenching.

David.